Shootout In Abuja: SSS Kills 21, Injures 18 Boko Haram Suspects; Recaptures 10 …Jonathan’s Safe, Secure -Presidency

The Department of State Services (DSS) has confirmed that 21 deaths were recorded as a result of the shootout during an attempted jailbreak at its headquarters in Abuja yesterday.
A statement signed by the services’ Deputy Director of Public Relations, Marilyn Ogar, said two operatives of the DSS sustained serious injuries during the incident.
“Following our earlier releases, it has been established that 18 casualties were recorded, while two service personnel sustained serious injuries.
“Three other detainees who sustained gunshot injuries during the incident have also died,’’ Ogar said.
She said investigation was ongoing to ascertain the immediate and remote causes of the attempted jailbreak.
However, contrary to earlier reports that Boko Haram insurgents stormed the headquarters of the Department of State Security Service (DSS) located within the vicinity of Aso Rock Presidential Villa, The Tide sources yesterday said that the detained members of the sect carried out the attack.
Recalling what happened; an insider said “Only one handler led them so you can understand they had the effrontery to bully him.
“Usually, suspects are taken to freshen up. They get the best of treatment, that I can tell you. Their rooms are comfortable; they eat good food, etcetera.
“Now, this morning, during the normal routine of taking them to the rest room, they attacked the suspect handler and took his rifle. It is a 60-round weapon that was loaded.
“Thanks to combat training, he struggled with them and escaped with wounds because they shot at him. His noise attracted us, so we quickly took position and returned fire. We did not leave anything to chance. At the end, operatives fell 21 of them, while 10 were recaptured.
“In fact, we had handled the situation before our colleagues in the military moved in. Their presence was important though, since we were not sure of what next to expect. But everything is calm now,” the source said.
When asked if the suspects were expecting to get help from outside, the source said “Honestly, I don’t know what they were thinking. Mark my words, there can never be a successful attack on Yellow House, we are always prepared.”
The source explained that he decided to give out the information because a section of the media had blown the incident out of proportion.
“You guys (media) should always get the facts or at least, wait for security agencies to issue statements before writing. I read on some publications that the Presidential Villa was attacked. Imagine that! The same Aso Rock I know? he quipped rhetorically.
The spokesperson of the SSS had earlier reacted to yesterday’s attack.
A statement signed by Deputy Director, Public Relations, Marilyn Ogar reads: “At 0715 hours, the service suspect handler went to the detention facility within the headquarters to feed the suspects.
“One of the suspects attempted to disarm him by hitting him at the back of his head with his handcuff. His attempt to escape drew the attention of other guards at the facility, who fired some shots to warn and deter others.
“The gun shots attracted the attention of the military with which we have an understanding of mutual assistance in the event of any threat. The Army immediately deployed a team to reinforce our perimeter guards to forestall any external collaborators. The situation has since been brought under control.”
It would be recalled that the SSS headquarters is located within the vicinity of the Aso Rock Presidential Villa, which also houses the Federal Secretariat Complex, Supreme Court and the National Assembly
It was also gathered that the terrorists’ plan was to attack the Presidential Villa, which is a stone throw from the SSS headquarters.
When our correspondent visited the Aso Rock, security has been beefed up to forestall possible attack.
The Presidential Villa was calm when our reporter visited, just as the Sunday church service at the Villa Chapel was going on as scheduled.
Responding to the attack, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr Reuben Abati, said that President Goodluck Jonathan was safe and secure, in spite of the attack near the Presidential Villa.
Abati said in his Twitter handle that rumours that the president was on the run as a result of the attack was untrue as the Aso Rock seat of power was never a target of the attackers.
However, security had been beefed up at the various entry points to the Abuja City.
From the airport road end, armed Nigerian Air Force personnel were stationed at strategic places, pointing guns at motorists as they drive past.
Also, military helicopters were deployed around the city, as choppers were hovering around Abuja, especially the Presidential Villa.
Security was also beefed up at Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, venue of ongoing 7th meeting of African Finance Ministers and around military and other security offices in Abuja yesterday following the attempted jail break.
On the Shehu Shagari Road, where the Force Headquarters is located, the area had been barricaded with armoured personnel carrier, same for the Ministry of Defence, Area 10, Garki, Abuja, at the time of this report.
However, there were normal activities in other areas of the city centre.
Meanwhile, all roads leading to the headquarters of the Department of State Services (DSS) on Aso Drive at Asokoro in Abuja hitherto closed after the attack have been opened to human and vehicular traffic.
This is contained in a statement by the department’s Deputy Director, Public Relations, DSS, Marilyn Ogar, yesterday in Abuja.
The statement was an update given after the attempted jailbreak at the headquarters of the services earlier yesterday.
Ogar said the area was earlier cordoned off to prevent possible external collaborators from colluding with the inmates who attempted to escape.
“Further to my earlier statement, we wish to state that the roads leading to our offices were cordoned off to prevent possible assistance for the perpetrators from external collaborators.
“During this period, the precinct of the office and adjoining neighbourhood were thoroughly searched.
“Meanwhile, normalcy has returned to the area and the roads have been opened for free movement of persons and vehicles,’’ she said.
Ogar restated the commitment of the DSS to the safety of Nigerians and foreigners alike.

Visitor to Rivers State University of Science and Technology (RSUST) and Governor of the state, Rt Hon Chibuike Amaechi (middle) exchanging views with Pro-Chancellor of the university, Hon Justice Adolphus Karibi-Whyte (right) and Vice Chancellor, Prof Barineme Fakae at the 26th convocation of the institution in Port Harcourt, last Saturday. Photo: Donatus Ken Nwiueh